Detroit Lions Midseason Grades: Matthew Stafford on verge of being considered elite quarterback

Here are my midseason grades for the 6-2 Detroit Lions, starting with quarterbacks and ending with an overall team grade. Look for all 11 grades throughout the weekend.

QUARTERBACKS
Matthew Stafford passed one of his big tests through the first half of the season: take hits and stay healthy. But he's also emerged into one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, going 183-of-299 passing for 2,179 yards. Most impressive, however, has been his decision making, which has led to the second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the league: 19 touchdowns against just four interceptions, while leading one of the NFL's most pass-heavy offenses.

Still, it hasn't been a perfect first half. Stafford has missed on some throws he's proven capable of making, and there are times when the offense has been flat. Yet he's a half season away from being mentioned with the Tom Bradys and Drew Brees of the world.